Player News

Kevin Love returned from a 22-game absence and started at center, finishing with 18 points, seven boards, four assists, two blocks and four 3-pointers in 25 minutes of Monday's win over the Bucks.

Nice! If you were recently able to pick him up, congratulations are in order, as he originally wasn't expected back until March 23. And the Cavaliers need him with Larry Nance's hamstring injury, as well as Tristan Thompson's ankle injury. Love's minutes may be iffy for the next few games, but he made the most of them tonight.

Jeff Green started again on Monday and hit 5-of-8 shots and 4-of-4 free throws for 14 points, zero rebounds, three assists, one steal and a block, and was 0-for-2 from downtown in the win.

Green had 21 points in 43 minutes on Saturday, but wasn't needed as much on offense tonight with Kevin Love back in action for the Cavaliers. They're banged up enough, though, that Green should continue to get big minutes down the stretch for the Cavs and he should be in line for three more solid fantasy lines this week. Stay the course.

Draymond Green appeared to tweak his groin and went to the locker room in the second quarter of Monday's game against the Spurs.

Green came up gimpy and was holding his groin area before departing, so his return to action tonight is in doubt. David West, Kevon Looney and Jordan Bell will all get a boost if Green's going to miss time with the injury. Green missed all four of his shots and had zero points and three rebounds before departing.

LeBron James hit 16-of-29 shots and three 3-pointers for 40 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block in 40 minutes of Monday's 124-117 win over the Bucks.

This was LeBron's 71st triple-double of his career, 15th of the season, his second straight triple-double, and his third in his last four games. The Cavs have won three of their last four and LeBron is averaging 32 points, 12.2 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.8 blocks and 1.8 3-pointers over his last five, and the Cavs now sit as the No. 3 seed in the East, a 1/2 game ahead of the Pacers. The Cavs want home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, so LeBron, who is the No. 6 player in fantasy, should continue to play in most games down the stretch in order to keep up with the Jones'.

Jeremy Lamb started on Monday vs. the 76ers, scoring 14 points (6-of-12 FGs, 2-of-4 FTs) with eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.

We know Lamb is going to be productive when he gets the minutes, as he averaged 16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.7 triples on 44.1% shooting in 14 previous starts. We don't know how long Nicolas Batum (Achilles) will be out, but with the Hornets well out of the playoff race, they have every reason to be cautious. With three more games this week, there's no reason why Lamb should be available on your wire.

Khris Middleton hit 11-of-16 shots, five 3-pointers and hit 3-of-3 free throws for 30 points, five boards, two assists, two steals and a block in 38 minutes of Monday's 124-117 loss to the Cavaliers.

Middleton has been really good for most of the season and is rolling right now, averaging 25.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 3.0 3-pointers on 59 percent shooting over his last five. Middleton's returning third-round fantasy value on the season and is a must-start player down the stretch.

Willy Hernangomez scored a season-high 17 points vs. the 76ers on Monday, hitting 6-of-11 from the field and 4-of-6 from the line with three rebounds, two steals and one block in 20 minutes.

He scored all 17 of his points in the first half before disappearing in the second. Not even a week ago, Hernangomez was blasted by coach Steve Clifford for his lack of shooting and defense, but it looks like the second-year center is finally getting a chance to prove himself while Cody Zeller (knee) is out and coach Clifford finally had some nice things to say about him at the morning shootaround. He played 13 minutes in his previous game with nine points and six rebounds, so deep-league owners should monitor him in case his role continues to grow.

Giannis Antetokounmpo hit 13-of-20 shots and 11-of-11 free throws for 37 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and a steal in 39 minutes of Monday's 124-117 loss to the Cavaliers.

Giannis did his best to fend off LeBron James, but LeBron had a 40-point triple-double and the Cavs got the win. Giannis has scored at least 33 in three straight games and is averaging 31.2 points, 9.8 boards, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and 0.8 3-pointers on 53 percent shooting over his last five games. He's aptly nicknamed, no doubt.